Gray Values

Family Key Values:

Spirituality

Integrity

Loyalty

Leadership




Thursday, August 30, 2007

MD Blue Crabs in Tulsa OK?!




Leland ordered crabs to be delivered to our cousins house in Tulsa. We had our very own crab feast here in Tulsa - it's hard to believe, but see the pictures! It was so fun! Leland is the best for coordinating such a cool surprise!! I didn't think I would get to have any this season BUT low and behold, he made it happen!! So cool!! :)

30 Days to Live - Part III

"The World and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17

How do we leave behind a Godly legacy? What will people say about us when we die?

Will they say "man, she sure liked buffalo wings?" Or for Leland, "wow, he was a car lover". Well we know that's not all that would be said about us...BUT what do we do in our lives right now that will make a difference?

We are striving to answer this very question... Its something that is stirring us both.

Monday, August 20, 2007

30 Days to Live - Part II

"Watch Out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:5

Second part of our session at church stresses the need to let go of materialism. Focus on relationships and things of this Earth that reflect the spirit of God. What I took from this is the bible isn't saying that we can have the things that we want, so long as it doesn't affect our surrounding relationships, i.e. we work so hard and spend many hours away from home to make the money needed to buy those things; or we put ourselves in debt to get them.

This certainly puts things into perspective. When I think, man, it would sure be nice to have.... I will remember this. I will remember that I have a loving husband that God has blessed me with; an awesome family; truely rich friends (and not necessarily in the sense of wealth, but in deeper-than-just-the-surface relationships); so far, my health and that of my family's; and a personal relationship with Him. This is what indicates our wealth - not possessions. Our pastor used this analogy - you don't ever see a hearse being followed by a uhaul full of possessions, do you? Now that is a visual.

In yesterday's series, our pastor interviewed a man that had Lou Garig's (sp?) disease. He has a family of three and a loving wife. His disease quickly paralyzed him and he is losing his speech. He focused on some regrets and what he would have done differently if he had of seen this disease in his future. Unfortunately for him, its too late. But with his testimony we have a chance to make a difference NOW instead of when it is too late for us as well.

Inspirational.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Proverbs 27:1

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

Our series at church is "What would you do if you had 30 days to live"? Our existence on Earth is just a breath to God - how are can we reset our priorities, redefine our life? turn intentions into actions...don't wait for "when" do it NOW...well, okay! Sounds easy.

This is impacting me in a huge way. This is only the beginning of this series, so plan on hearing more about our journey through this perplexing question. And it comes at a very appropriate time in our lives. Leland is reevaluating his business ventures, exploring other avenues... we have talked about "wanting more out of life". This series is intended to strengthen our sprirital relationship, but over all it will strengthen us as individuals and as a couple.

Lately, I have been questioning God's will in my life instead of just having faith. My first step in this series is to seriously, conciously "give it to God". I need to learn to consistently rely on that and allow myself to enjoy each passing moment instead of worrying about "what if".
May sound silly or menial, but for me - ITS HUGE!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

PGA

We took my dad to the PGA on Sunday - we saw Tiger tee off LIVE! Pretty awesome. Though it was hot, we made do. Dad loved every second of it. We couldn't take pictures; they don't allow cameras there. It was a day of sweat but a day that we will never forget!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Karaoke

Okay.....



Wed nights (not necessarily every Wed but maybe every other) we frequent a little sports bar called THE FOX AND THE HOUND. They have a mad round of Karaoke. Last night must have been professionals' night. I mean these people were singing like they were going to win some money for the best voice, like we were on the latest episode of "Don't forget the Lyrics", which can be intimidating. But, nonetheless, should it stop the amateurs? Um, no.



We proceeded to select our songs and sang. It was Leland's second debut. Each time he gains more confidence and I believe he thoroughly enjoys it! Too fun! My only regret is that I didn't have a recorder, because I can just see you reading the previous few sentences to make sure you read them right...Yes, Leland has added Karaoke singing to his wide range of talents.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Family


On June 21st, we celebrated my Aunt and Uncle's (AKA Granny and Paw, sitting in the middle of this picture) 50th wedding Anniversary. That was a good time. Here is a picture of the family....

It was such fun. We had cake and punch at the church and then a party at the house, hot mic and food and beverages! Great time!! Granny and Paw are such an inspiration to our family and the core of it...so it was awesome to be able to celebrate this with them and honor them with a reception.

Kitchen

Pictures to follow...
This weekend we decided to take action on our accent paint in the kitchen. It turned out really nice. I have just a bit to finish and then we will put our pictures up and stuff....its turning out to be a really nice tuscan theme.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Tulsa County Sheriff

Leland applied for Tulsa County Sherriff back in March. They sent him a letter offering him the chance to take the test. He studied, took the test and passed. He figured, why not? Let's just see what happens. So, now he has to go through back ground checks, interviews, and probably a physical fitness test, just for starters. I guess we will just see how it goes...Its a lengthy process.